Contractor data server and methods for use therewith for generating individual scoring data

ABSTRACT

A contractor data server includes at least one processor that executes a contractor data server application to bidirectionally communicate contractor data with a first user of a first client device via a network interface. The contractor data includes service menu data sent to the first client device that includes a plurality of service types and a plurality of specific services and service data received from the first client device indicates a selected one of the plurality of service types, a selected one of the plurality of specific services that indicates a service performed, service date data that indicates a service date, service address data that indicates a service address, and contractor review data relating to services performed at the service address. The contractor data server application processes the contractor review data to generate individual scoring data relating to the service address.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENTS

The present U.S. Utility patent application claims priority pursuant to35 U.S.C. § 120 as a continuation of U.S. Utility application Ser. No.14/568,920, entitled “CONTRACTOR DATA SERVER AND METHODS FOR USETHEREWITH”, filed Dec. 12, 2014, which claims priority pursuant to 35U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/917,170, entitled“CONTRACTOR DATA SERVER AND METHODS FOR USE THEREWITH”, filed Dec. 17,2013, both of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety and made part of the present U.S. Utility patent applicationfor all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to knowledge based systems and databasesused in conjunction with client/server network architectures.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

Many contractors have adopted online tools to allow customers withservice needs to identify and select them. Contractor websites typicallyinclude information on services provided by the contractor and contactinformation to schedule service calls along with other information ofthe contractor. Other services, such as Angieslist.com allows customersto provide reviews of contractor performance. A customer in need ofservice can access online reviews of a particular contractor'sperformance and use this information to select a particular contractor.

Contractors themselves can have bad experiences with customers. Inparticular, a customer may not be prepared to provide full payment atthe time the service is completed or otherwise cause problems for thecontractor at the time the service is performed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 presents a pictorial representation of a system that includes acontractor data server 25 and example devices 13-14 that operate inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 presents a block diagram representation of a contractor dataserver 25 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 presents a block diagram representation of a client device 100 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 presents a graphical representation of screen display 300 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 presents a graphical representation of screen display 310 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 presents a graphical representation of screen display 320 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 presents a graphical representation of screen display 330 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 presents a block diagram representation of a neighborhood scoringmodule 500 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 presents a block diagram representation of an individual scoringmodule 530 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 presents a graphical representation of screen display 340 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 presents a graphical representation of screen display 350 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 presents a graphical representation of screen display 360 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 presents a graphical representation of screen display 370 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 presents a flowchart representation of a method in accordancewith an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 presents a pictorial representation of a contractor data server25 and example devices 13-14 that operate in accordance with embodimentsof the present disclosure. In particular, a contractor data server 25 ispresented that communicates with client devices such as mobile terminal13 and personal computer 14 via network 15. The network 15 can be theInternet or other wide area communication network. The contractor dataserver 25 presents a website that operates via a browser application ofmobile terminal 13 and/or personal computer 14 or that otherwiseoperates in conjunction with an application such as a mobile applicationselected for download by the user and downloaded to the client device topresent and gather contractor data that includes information on theservices performed by the contractor, information on the service addressand/or persons that the services were performed for, and also review ofthe service experience from the perspective of the contractor.

The contractor data can be processed in conjunction with othercontractor data and other forms of data and used to generate individualscores relating to the customer address and/or the customers themselves.The individual scores can indicate, for example, how a customer hastreated past contractors and/or the nature of problems that a customerhas caused in the past in addition to the types of repairs that havebeen performed and their frequency. These scores can be used byprospective contractors to settle potential issues before services areperformed and/or used to avoid problem customers. Neighborhood scorescan be generated that can be used in generating the individual scoresand/or used independently to provide aggregate information ofneighborhood repairs and service.

In addition, the contractor data can be used for other purposes.Summaries of home service data for a particular address can be providedto potential home buyers in the evaluation of a potential home purchase,to home owner warranty companies to evaluate risk levels, bygovernmental agencies in determining the condition of the home and thelevel of upgrades, and by others interested in accessing service and/orrepair data for other purposes.

In an embodiment, a user such as a home contractor that provides homeservices or other service persons can register with the contractor dataserver 25, such as via an email address, and password. After servicesare performed, contractor data in the form of service menus prompts arepresented to the client device for display relating to variousinformation to be entered relating to the contractor's serviceexperience.

In an embodiment, the contractor data server 25 communicates with one ormore content servers 12 and other data servers 10. These content servers12 can include a social networking server such as Facebook, MySpace,Twitter; an advertising server; and other servers that provideinformation relating to contractors, to services, to customers, toneighborhoods, to maps and directions for locating customers, and/orother content. The data servers 10, can each be a web server or otherserver provide data such as neighborhood demographic data, individualcredit data or other data. While shown as a separate device, thefunctionality of contractor data server 25 can be implemented in or onconjunction with a particular content server 12 or data server 10.

Contractor data server 25 and client devices 13 and 14 will be describedin greater detail in conjunction with FIGS. 2-14, including severaloptional functions and features.

FIG. 2 presents a block diagram representation of a contractor dataserver 25 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Inparticular, contractor data server 25 includes a network interface 220such as a network card or modem for communicating with client devicessuch as client devices 13 or 14, other servers such as content servers12 and/or data servers 10 via network 15. The contractor data server 25also includes a processing module 230 and memory module 240 that storesan operating system 244 such as a Linux or Microsoft operating system orother operating system, a database 246 for storing data such ascontractor review data, addresses, scoring data and other data as wellas a contractor data server application 250.

The processing module 230 can be implemented via a single processingdevice or a plurality of processing devices. Such processing devices caninclude a microprocessor, micro-controller, digital signal processor,microcomputer, central processing unit, field programmable gate array,programmable logic device, state machine, logic circuitry, analogcircuitry, digital circuitry, and/or any device that manipulates signals(analog and/or digital) based on operational instructions that arestored in a memory, such as memory 240. The memory can include a harddisc drive or other disc drive, read-only memory, random access memory,volatile memory, non-volatile memory, static memory, dynamic memory,flash memory, cache memory, and/or any device that stores digitalinformation. Note that when the processing device implements one or moreof its functions via a state machine, analog circuitry, digitalcircuitry, and/or logic circuitry, the memory storing the correspondingoperational instructions may be embedded within, or external to, thecircuitry comprising the state machine, analog circuitry, digitalcircuitry, and/or logic circuitry. While a particular bus architectureis presented that includes a single bus 260, other architectures arepossible including additional data buses and/or direct connectivitybetween one or more elements. Further, the contractor data server 25 caninclude one or more additional elements that are not specifically shown.

At least one processor of the processing module 230 executes thecontractor data server application 250 to bidirectionally communicatecontractor data with a user of a client device, such as client device 13or 14 via the network interface 220 and the network 15. In operation,the contractor data server application 250 sends contractor data in theform of service menu data to a client device, such as client device 13or 14, via the network 15. The service menu data can include a pluralityof service types and a plurality of specific services. Service data isreceived by the contractor data server application 250 via the network15 from the client device. This service data can, for example, indicatea selected one of the plurality of service types, a selected one of theplurality of specific services that indicates a service performed,service date data that indicates a service date, service address datathat indicates a service address, and contractor review data relating toservices performed at the service address. The contractor data serverapplication 250 processes the service data and contractor review data togenerate individual scoring data relating to the service address.

In an embodiment, wherein the contractor data server application 250processes the contractor review data in conjunction with othercontractor review data from at least one other user to the generateindividual scoring data relating to the service address. The contractordata server application 250 can process the contractor review data inconjunction with neighborhood scoring data from at least one otherservice address to the generate individual scoring data relating to theservice address. The contractor data server application 250 canoptionally retrieve personal data pertaining to a person associated withthe service address and the contractor data server application canprocess the contractor review data in conjunction with the personal datato the generate individual scoring data relating to the service address.

In a mode of operation, the individual scoring data is generated basedon at least a portion of the contractor review data. For example, theindividual scoring data can estimate homeowner conduct with contractorsat the service address. Further, the contractor data server application250 can send the individual scoring data to other users of other clientdevices via the network interface 220.

In a mode of operation, the contractor data server application 250 sendsthe selected one of the plurality of specific services, the service datedata, and the service address data to another user of another clientdevice via the network interface. The contractor data server applicationcan also generates repair summary data that summarizes repairs performedat the service address that can be accessed by authorized users of thecontractor data server 25. The contractor data server application 250optionally generates neighborhood scoring data relating to the serviceaddress that can be used to generate the individual scoring data or canotherwise be shared with authorized users of the contractor data server25.

The operation of contractor data server 25 in generating and respondingto contractor data will be described in greater detail in conjunctionwith FIGS. 3-14, including several optional functions and features.

FIG. 3 presents a block diagram representation of a client device 100 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular,a client device 100, such as mobile terminal 13, personal computer 14 orother client device such as a personal digital assistant, tablet, orsmartphone is presented. The client device 100 includes a networkinterface 120 having one or more interfaces (122, 124 . . . ). Examplesof interfaces (122, 124 . . . ) include wireless interfaces such as a3G, 4G or other wireless telephony transceiver, a Bluetooth transceiver,a WiFi transceiver, UltraWideBand transceiver, WIMAX transceiver, ZigBeetransceiver or other wireless interface. Examples of interfaces (122,124 . . . ) further include wired interfaces such as a Universal SerialBus (USB) interface, an IEEE 1394 Firewire interface, an Ethernetinterface or other network card or modem for communicating withcontractor data server 25, or other servers such as content servers 12via network 15. The client device 100 also includes a user interfacesuch as a display device, touch screen, key pad, touch pad, thumb wheel,one or more buttons, a speaker, a microphone, an accelerometer,gyroscope or other motion or position sensor, or other interface devicesthat provide information to a user of the client device 100 and thatgenerate data in response to the user's interaction with the clientdevice 100.

The client device 100 also includes a processing module 130 and memorymodule 140 that stores an operating system 44 such as a Linux-basedoperating system, a Microsoft personal computer or mobile operatingsystem, an Android operating system, an Apple mobile or personalcomputer operating system or other operating system. The memory module140 also stores location data 42 corresponding to the location of theclient device 100 generated via user interaction with user interface142, via optional Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver 144, orgathered via a wireless network such as triangulation data received froma 4G network, location information from a connected access point or basestation, femtocell or other location data. In addition, memory module140 includes a messaging application 46 for communicating with otherclient devices such as an email application, a text, instant messagingor short messaging service (SMS) application or other messagingapplication that stored contacts data corresponding to users of otherclient devices that are known to the user of client device 100.

The memory module 140 also stores a contractor data client application150 that is prestored in the memory module, loaded via disk ordownloaded to the memory module via network interface 120. Thecontractor data client application 150 can be a general browserapplication such as Mozilla, Google Chrome, Safari, Internet Explorer orother general web browser or an application that is customized tooperate in conjunction with contractor data server 25 in conjunctionwith the exchange of contractor data.

The processing module 130 can be implemented via a single processingdevice or a plurality of processing devices. Such processing devices caninclude a microprocessor, micro-controller, digital signal processor,microcomputer, central processing unit, field programmable gate array,programmable logic device, state machine, logic circuitry, analogcircuitry, digital circuitry, and/or any device that manipulates signals(analog and/or digital) based on operational instructions that arestored in a memory of memory module 140. The memory can include a harddisc drive or other disc drive, read-only memory, random access memory,volatile memory, non-volatile memory, static memory, dynamic memory,flash memory, cache memory, and/or any device that stores digitalinformation. Note that when the processing device implements one or moreof its functions via a state machine, analog circuitry, digitalcircuitry, and/or logic circuitry, the memory storing the correspondingoperational instructions may be embedded within, or external to, thecircuitry comprising the state machine, analog circuitry, digitalcircuitry, and/or logic circuitry. While a particular bus architectureis presented that includes a single bus 160, other architectures arepossible including additional data buses and/or direct connectivitybetween one or more elements. Further, the client device 100 can includeone or more additional elements that are not specifically shown.

The operation of client device in generating and responding tocontractor data will be described in greater detail in conjunction withFIGS. 4-14, including several optional functions and features.

FIG. 4 presents a graphical representation of screen display 300 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular,a screen display 300 of user interface 142 of client device 100 ispresented as generated by the contractor data client application 150 inresponse to contractor data from the contractor data server application250. As shown, a user, “Bob Robertson Home Repairs” has logged in. Thislogin can, for example, be based on the entry of a username andpassword, based on a cookie file retrieved from the memory module 240 ofthe client device 100 or based on other subscription information orauthentication procedures. The screen display 300 is one in a number ofdifferent screen displays that guide the user in entering contractordata relating to service that has been performed by the user to aparticular customer or at a particular service address.

The screen display 300 includes a banner ad 302 generated based on datafrom content server 12, and optionally based on location data 42received from client device 100 via the network 15 and/or user profiledata relating to the user of client device 100 stored in conjunctionwith user's subscription. In a mode of operation, the banner ad 302presents an advertisement pertaining to products and services local tothe user and further based on profile data that indicates the servicesthat the user performs and other profile or user preferences.

Section 304 provides a graphical user interface for the user to entercustomer information in the form of customer name data that indicatesthe name of the customer and/or service address data that indicates anaddress where the service was performed. Section 306 provides agraphical user interface for the user to enter service type data such asa selection of one or more of a plurality of different service types.Section 308 provides a graphical user interface for the user to selectspecific service data such as a selection of one or more of a pluralityof specific services performed. In the embodiment shown, selection ofthe service type in section 306 automatically populates section 308 withspecific services relating to that service type that can be selected bythe user to describe the specific services performed.

In the example shown, the user has selected a service type “roofing” andcan select specific roofing services such as new construction, roofrepair—shingles, shakes, tiles, roof repair—subroof, structure, etc. Itshould be noted that the particular service types and specific servicesshown are merely illustrative of the many types of home services thatcould be selected in accordance with various embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

A next button 316 is presented that, when selected by the user, sendsthe contractor data entered by the user in accordance with this screendisplay to the contractor data server 25 via the network 15. Inresponse, the contractor data server 25 can send a new screen displaythat, if applicable, includes contractor data with additional servicemenu data.

FIG. 5 presents a graphical representation of screen display 310 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular,a screen display 310 of user interface 142 of client device 100 ispresented as generated by the contractor data client application 150 inresponse to contractor data from the contractor data server application250. Common elements from other figures may be indicated by commonreference numerals. The screen display 310 is one in a number ofdifferent screen displays that guide the user in entering contractordata relating to service that has been performed by the user to aparticular customer or at a particular service address.

Screen display 310 reflects that the user Bob Robertson Home Repairs haslogged in and has previously entered customer name data and serviceaddress data. In section 312 the user enters service date data thatindicates the date that service was performed, or if multiple days, thedate the service was completed. In section 314, the user enterscontractor review data. In the example shown, the customer review dataincludes a numerical customer rating along with comments data. While anumerical rating is shown, other discrete or continuous ratings can bepresented in conjunction with a discrete or continuous rating scale.

FIG. 6 presents a graphical representation of screen display 320 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular,a screen display 320 of user interface 142 of client device 100 ispresented as generated by the contractor data client application 150 inresponse to contractor data from the contractor data server application250. Common elements from other figures may be indicated by commonreference numerals. The screen display 320 is one in a number ofdifferent screen displays that guide the user in entering contractordata relating to service that has been performed by the user to aparticular customer or at a particular service address.

Screen display 320 reflects that the user Bob Robertson Home Repairs haslogged in and has previously entered customer name data and serviceaddress data and service date data that indicates the date that servicewas performed, or if multiple days, the date the service was completed.In section 322, the user enters contractor review data. In the exampleshown, the customer review data includes a list of potential problemsand prompts for indications from the user if any of these problemsoccurred. While the example shown includes lists of potential problems,the prompts could likewise indicate positive attributes of the serviceexperience.

FIG. 7 presents a graphical representation of screen display 330 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular,a screen display 330 of user interface 142 of client device 100 ispresented as generated by the contractor data client application 150 inresponse to contractor data from the contractor data server application250. Common elements from other figures may be indicated by commonreference numerals. The screen display 330 is one in a number ofdifferent screen displays that guide the user in entering contractordata relating to service that has been performed by the user to aparticular customer or at a particular service address.

Screen display 330 reflects that the user Bob Robertson Home Repairs haslogged in and has previously entered customer name data and serviceaddress data and service date data that indicates the date that servicewas performed, or if multiple days, the date the service was completed.In section 332, the user enters contractor review data to follow-up onproblems identified and included in contractor review data generated byinteraction with display screen 320 and sent to the contractor dataserver 25. In the example shown, the customer review data includes anumerical rating of the severity of the problem along with commentsdata. While a numerical rating is shown, other discrete or continuousratings can be presented in conjunction with a discrete or continuousrating scale.

FIG. 8 presents a block diagram representation of a neighborhood scoringmodule 500 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.In particular, neighborhood scoring module 500 can be implemented aspart of the contractor data server application 250 or otherwise executedby processing module 230 of contractor data server 25. In operation, theneighborhood scoring module 500 receives contractor data 510 from thecontractor data server application in the form of customer name data,service address data, service data date, service type data, specificservice data and contractor review data and further receives otherneighborhood data 512 from either one or more content servers 12 and/orone or more data servers 10 and generates neighborhood scoring data 502.

The other neighborhood data 502 can include neighborhood demographicdata, lists of neighborhoods and corresponding street addresses or othercoordinates to determine if a particular service address falls within aneighborhood. The other neighborhood data 502 can include aggregatecredit scores or other payment indications of the neighborhood, crimestatistics for a neighborhood, or other neighborhood information thatcould bear generally on the suitability of a general service address inthe neighborhood as a potential customer. The contractor review data 510is aggregated by the neighborhood scoring module 500 on a neighborhoodby neighborhood basis to reflect aggregate ratings for the differentservice addresses in the neighborhood.

In a mode of operation, the neighborhood scoring data 502 can include aneighborhood service score that indicates, on an aggregate basis, eithergenerally or on a service type or specific service basis, an estimatefor a potential service experience for any general address in theneighborhood. Contractor review data 510 in the form of problemsreported, poor contractor reviews, a lack of problems, good contractorreviews and other contractor review data 510 are combined with otherneighborhood data 512 to yield these estimates.

In an embodiment, contractor review data 510 is weighted equally foreach review and for each contractor or other user that was the source ofthe review. In another embodiment, contractor review data 510 isweighted unequally. For example, contractor review data 510 can beweighted on a contractor-by-contractor basis based on factors such asthe length of service of the contractor or other user, the length ofsubscription of the contractor to the contractor data server application250, the number of reviews by the contractor, the frequency of reviewsby the contractor, an average review score of the contractor and otherfactors that could indicate the accuracy of the review.

In another mode of operation, the neighborhood scoring data 502 caninclude a neighborhood repair score that indicates, on an aggregatebasis, an estimate for the frequency of repairs, an amount of repairs orother services or an estimate of future repairs or frequency of repairs,either generally or by service type or specific service basis for anygeneral address in the neighborhood.

FIG. 9 presents a block diagram representation of an individual scoringmodule 530 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.In particular, individual scoring module 530 can be implemented as partof the contractor data server application 250 or otherwise executed byprocessing module 230 of contractor data server 25. In operation, theindividual scoring module 500 receives contractor data 510 from thecontractor data server application 250 in the form of customer namedata, service address data, service data date, service type data,specific service data and contractor review data and further receivesneighborhood scoring data 502 and optionally personal data 534 from oneor more data servers 10 and generates individual scoring data 532.

The personal data 534 can include personal demographic data, creditscores or other payment indications of the customer, a criminal recordfor the customer, or other personal information related to either aservice address or customer name that could bear generally on thesuitability of the person or service address as a potential customer.The contractor review data 510 is aggregated by the individual scoringmodule 530 on a service address or customer name basis to reflectoverall all contractor reviews for that customer name or for thatservice address.

In a mode of operation, the individual scoring data 532 can include anindividual service score for each customer name or service address thatindicates an estimate for a potential service experience for thatparticular address or customer. Contractor review data 510 in the formof problems reported, poor contractor reviews, a lack of problems, goodcontractor reviews and other contractor review data can be processed inthis regard.

In an embodiment, contractor review data 510 is weighted equally. Inanother embodiment, contractor review data 510 is weighted unequally.For example, contractor review data 510 can be weighted on acontractor-by-contractor basis based on factors such as the length ofservice of the contractor, the length of subscription of the contractorto the contractor data server application, the number of reviews by thecontractor, the frequency of reviews by the contractor, an averagereview score of the contractor and other factors that could indicate theaccuracy of the review.

In an embodiment, the contractor review data 510 is optionally combinedwith neighborhood scoring data 502 to yield the individual servicescore. For example, the individual service score can be generated basedon a weighted average of the contractor review data 510 and aneighborhood service score that indicates an estimate for a potentialservice experience for any general address in the neighborhood.Representing the individual service score by I_(s), the contractorreview data by C and the neighborhood service score by N_(s),I _(s)=α_(s) C+(1−α_(s))N _(s)Where, α_(s) is a value that is a monotonically increasing function ofthe number of contractor reviews for the service address or customername. In this fashion, the contractor reviews are weighted more heavilywhen there are a large number of contractor reviews, compared to whenthere are a small number of contractor reviews. When there are nocontractor reviews, the value of α_(s)=0, the individual service scorecan be based solely on the neighborhood service score, N_(s).

In another embodiment, the individual service score can be generatedbased on a weighted average of the contractor review data 510, theneighborhood scoring data 502, and personal data 534 in the form of acredit score for the customer. Representing the credit score as S,I _(s)=α_(s) C+(1−α_(s)−β_(s))N _(s)+β_(s) S _(s)where β_(s) is a weighting value.

In another mode of operation, the individual scoring data 532 caninclude an individual repair score that indicates for a particularservice address, an estimate for the frequency of repairs, an amount ofrepairs or other services or an estimate of future repairs or frequencyof repairs, either generally or by service type for that particularaddress. While the individual repair score can be based solely oncustomer review data for a particular customer address, this data may beincomplete if not all contractors subscribe to the contractor dataservice application 250 or other scenarios where contractor review datais not provided for all repairs. To account for this deficiency, thecontractor review data 510 is optionally combined with neighborhoodscoring data 502 to yield the individual repair score. For example, theindividual repair score can be generated based on a weighted average ofthe contractor review data 510 and a neighborhood repair score thatindicates an estimate of the number or frequency or repairs for anygeneral address in the neighborhood. Representing the individual repairscore by I_(r), the contractor review data by C and the neighborhoodrepair score by N_(r),I _(r)=α_(r) C+(1−α_(r))N _(r)Where, α_(r) is a value that is a monotonically increasing function ofthe number of contractor reviews for the service address or customername. In this fashion, the contractor reviews are weighted more heavilywhen there are a large number of contractor reviews, compared to whenthere are a small number of contractor reviews. When there are nocontractor reviews, the value of α_(r)=0, the individual repair scorecan be based solely on the neighborhood repair score, N_(r).

In a further embodiment, the individual repair score is generated incomparison to the corresponding neighborhood repair score. In thisfashion, a particular address is compared with other addresses in theneighborhood to determine if more or less repairs have been made. In oneexample,I _(r) =C/N _(r)In this case, an I_(r) value of approximately one would indicate thatrepairs have been in line with other home in the neighborhood. A highvalue of Ir could indicate one or more chronic repair problems. A lowerhigh value of I_(r) could indicate an address where routine maintenancehas not been performed.

FIG. 10 presents a graphical representation of screen display 340 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular,a screen display 340 of user interface 142 of client device 100 ispresented as generated by the contractor data client application 150 inresponse to contractor data from the contractor data server application250. Common elements from other figures may be indicated by commonreference numerals. The screen display 340 is screen display presentedto a user in viewing contractor review data 510, neighborhood scoringdata 502 and individual scoring data 532 pertaining to a particularservice address.

Screen display 340 reflects that the user Steve Stevenson Home Repairshas logged in and has selected a customer name and/or particular serviceaddress to be reviewed in fields 342. While both fields are presented inthe example shown, it should be noted that the user may enter only oneof these two fields and the system may supply the other based on data indatabase 246 of data contractor server 25. Contractor data in the formof individual scoring data, neighborhood scoring data and contractorreview data is retrieved from the database 246 by the contractor dataserver application 250 and is presented for display in field 344.

In the example shown, the “Overall rating” is an individual servicescore that indicates an estimate for a potential service experience forthe selected address and/or the selected customer. While the individualservice score is presented as a numerical rating, it can be calculatedas a numerical rating and displayed visually by a graph, icon, colorscheme, or other graphic or text that corresponds to the rating. Forexample, a stop sign may be presented for a poor rating, a graph with anumber of stars may indicate the score, a thumbs up may indicate a goodrating or other schemes may be used to indicate the score.

In the example shown, the “Neighborhood rating” is a neighborhoodservice score that indicates an estimate for a potential serviceexperience for any general address in a neighborhood that contains theselected address. In operation, the contractor data server applicationlocates the neighborhood rating pertaining to the selected address bycorrelating the selected address to lists of addresses in the database246 that correspond to different neighborhoods. While the neighborhoodservice score is presented as a numerical rating, it can be calculatedas a numerical rating and displayed visually by a graph, icon, colorscheme, or other graphic or text that corresponds to the rating. Forexample, a stop sign may be presented for a poor rating, a graph with anumber of stars may indicate the score, a thumbs up may indicate a goodrating or other schemes may be used to indicate the score.

While a neighborhood service score is presented along with an individualservice score, the neighborhood service score can be generated based atleast in part on the neighborhood service score as discussed inconjunction with FIG. 9.

In the example shown, contractor review data is presented in field 344that summarized repairs performed on the property. This includescontractor review data in the form of service date data, service data inthe form or either service type data or specific service data, a servicerating given by the contractor performing the service, and a problemsummary. In addition, a comments field indicates if comments are presentfor viewing. Clicking on each “yes” in this column presents a link to adisplay screen, not specifically shown, that provides the commentscorresponding to the corresponding date of service.

In operation, a user can access contractor review data of the type shownand, for example, evaluate the contractor review data 510, theneighborhood service score and the individual service score in order toestimate a potential service experience for the selected address and/orthe selected customer. In this fashion, if a potential customer at theservice address asks the contractor to perform the service, thecontractor can decide how to bid a potential job, clarify possiblesources of customer discord, include addition contract language thataddresses potential problems and/or deny service altogether to avoid ormitigate a possible negative service experience for the contractor.

FIG. 11 presents a graphical representation of screen display 350 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular,a screen display 350 of user interface 142 of client device 100 ispresented as generated by the contractor data client application 150 inresponse to contractor data from the contractor data server application250. Common elements from other figures may be indicated by commonreference numerals. The screen display 350 is screen display presentedto a user in viewing contractor review data 510, neighborhood scoringdata 502 and individual scoring data 532 pertaining to a particularservice address.

Screen display 350 reflects that the user Jim Jameson has logged in andhas selected a particular service address to be reviewed in fields 352.Contractor data in the form of individual scoring data, neighborhoodscoring data and contractor review data is retrieved from the database246 by the contractor data server application 250 and is presented fordisplay in field 354.

In the example shown, the “Overall rating” is an individual repair scorethat indicates an estimate of the number of repairs or repair/servicefrequency for the selected address. While the individual service scoreis presented as a numerical rating, it can be calculated as a numericalrating and displayed visually by a graph, icon, color scheme, or othergraphic or text that corresponds to the rating. For example, a stop signmay be presented for a poor rating, a graph with a number of stars mayindicate the score, a thumbs up may indicate a good rating or otherschemes may be used to indicate the score.

In the example shown, the “Neighborhood rating” is a neighborhood repairscore that indicates an estimate of the number of repairs orrepair/service frequency for any general address in a neighborhood thatcontains the selected address. In operation, the contractor data serverapplication locates the neighborhood rating pertaining to the selectedaddress by correlating the selected address to lists of addresses in thedatabase 246 that correspond to different neighborhoods. While theneighborhood service score is presented as a numerical rating, it can becalculated as a numerical rating and displayed visually by a graph,icon, color scheme, or other graphic or text that corresponds to therating. For example, a stop sign may be presented for a poor rating, agraph with a number of stars may indicate the score, a thumbs up mayindicate a good rating or other schemes may be used to indicate thescore.

The user may compare the overall rating to the neighborhood rating. Ahigher overall rating might indicate one or more chronic repairproblems. A lower overall rating could indicate an address where routinemaintenance has not been performed. Either of these potential problemareas could be investigated by either further review of the contractorreview data or by focusing a home inspection on sources of potentialproblems.

In the example shown, contractor review data is presented in field 354that summarized repairs performed on the property. This includescontractor review data in the form of service date data, service data inthe form or either service type data and/or specific service data.

In operation, a user, such as a potential home buyer can evaluatecontractor review data of the type shown and, for example, determine thetype of repairs and maintenance that has been performed and thefrequency of such repairs and maintenance. Dates of upgrades, such as aremodel can be evaluated to determine the age of appliances andfixtures. Sources of potential future problems such as water leaks canbe evaluated and can be used by the potential homeowner to focus a homeinspection on issues that have arisen in the past or to identify a homewith costly or chronic defects.

FIG. 12 presents a graphical representation of screen display 360 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular,a screen display 360 of user interface 142 of client device 100 ispresented as generated by the contractor data client application 150 inresponse to contractor data from the contractor data server application250. Common elements from other figures may be indicated by commonreference numerals. The screen display 360 is screen display presentedto a user in viewing contractor review data 510, neighborhood scoringdata 502 and individual scoring data 532 pertaining to a particularservice address.

Screen display 360 reflects that the user Davidson Insurance has loggedin and has selected a particular service address to be reviewed infields 362. Contractor data in the form of individual scoring data,neighborhood scoring data and contractor review data 510 is retrievedfrom the database 246 by the contractor data server application 250 andis presented for display in field 364.

In the example shown, the “Overall rating” is an individual repair scorethat indicates an estimate of the number of repairs or repair/servicefrequency for the selected address. While the individual service scoreis presented as a numerical rating, it can be calculated as a numericalrating and displayed visually by a graph, icon, color scheme, or othergraphic or text that corresponds to the rating. For example, a stop signmay be presented for a poor rating, a graph with a number of stars mayindicate the score, a thumbs up may indicate a good rating or otherschemes may be used to indicate the score.

In the example shown, the “Neighborhood rating” is a neighborhood repairscore that indicates an estimate of the number of repairs orrepair/service frequency for any general address in a neighborhood thatcontains the selected address. In operation, the contractor data serverapplication locates the neighborhood rating pertaining to the selectedaddress by correlating the selected address to lists of addresses in thedatabase 246 that correspond to different neighborhoods. While theneighborhood service score is presented as a numerical rating, it can becalculated as a numerical rating and displayed visually by a graph,icon, color scheme, or other graphic or text that corresponds to therating. For example, a stop sign may be presented for a poor rating, agraph with a number of stars may indicate the score, a thumbs up mayindicate a good rating or other schemes may be used to indicate thescore.

The user may compare the overall rating to the neighborhood rating. Ahigher overall rating might indicate one or more chronic repairproblems. A lower overall rating could indicate an address where routinemaintenance has not been performed. In the example shown, contractorreview data is presented in field 364 that summarized repairs performedon the property. This includes contractor review data in the form ofservice date data, service data in the form or either service type dataand/or specific service data.

In operation, a user, such as a potential insurer can evaluatecontractor review data of the type shown and, for example, determine thetype of repairs and maintenance that has been performed and thefrequency of such repairs and maintenance. Dates of upgrades, such as aremodel can be evaluated to determine the age of appliances andfixtures. Sources of potential future problems such as water leaks canbe evaluated and can be used by the potential insurer to identifypossible pre-existing conditions and/or rate the property address forpotential home warranty protection, homeowners insurance or otherinsurance.

In another example, a user, such as a property taxing authority canevaluate contractor review data 510 of the type shown and, for example,determined dates of upgrades, such as a remodel can be evaluated todetermine the state of the home and its current value. For example, ahome with a recent kitchen remodel may be assessed a higher value thanother homes in the neighborhood that lack such upgrades.

FIG. 13 presents a graphical representation of screen display 370 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular,a screen display 370 of user interface 142 of client device 100 ispresented as generated by the contractor data client application 150 inresponse to contractor data from the contractor data server application250. Common elements from other figures may be indicated by commonreference numerals. The screen display 370 is screen display presentedto a user in viewing contractor review data 510 and neighborhood scoringdata 502 pertaining to a particular neighborhood.

Screen display 370 reflects that the user Bob Robertson Home repairs haslogged in and has selected a particular neighborhood to be reviewed infield 372. Contractor data in the form of neighborhood scoring data 502is retrieved from the database 246 by the contractor data serverapplication 250 and is presented for display in field 374.

In the example shown, the “Neighborhood service rating” is an overallneighborhood service score that indicates an estimate for a potentialservice experience for any general address in the selected neighborhood.“Neighborhood frequency rating” is an overall neighborhood repair scorethat indicates an estimate of the number of repairs or repair/servicefrequency for the selected neighborhood. While the neighborhood serviceand repair scores are each presented as a numerical rating, these valuescan be calculated as a numerical rating and displayed visually by agraph, icon, color scheme, or other graphic or text that corresponds tothe rating. For example, a stop sign may be presented for a poor rating,a graph with a number of stars may indicate the score, a thumbs up mayindicate a good rating or other schemes may be used to indicate thesescores.

As discussed in conjunction with FIG. 8, the neighborhood scoring data502 can include a neighborhood repair and service score that indicate,on an aggregate basis, an estimate for the frequency of repairs, anamount of repairs or other services or an estimate of future repairs orfrequency of repairs, broken down by service type or specific servicefor a particular neighborhood. In the example shown, furtherneighborhood scoring data 502 is presented in field 374 that summarizesrepairs performed on properties in the selected neighborhood. Thisincludes neighborhood repair and service scores represented respectivelyas “service frequency score” and “service rating” as broken down by theservice type data. While not specifically shown, the neighborhoodscoring data presented in field 374 can be broken down by specificservices, in addition to or in alternative to, being broken down byservice type.

In operation, a user, such as a contractor can evaluate neighborhoodscoring data 502 of the type shown and, for example, determine thedesirability of a particular neighborhood for the type or types ofservices or the specific services that the contractor performs. Thisinformation can be used by the contractor for marketing purposes todetermine the focus of marketing campaigns, to identify likelycustomers, etc.

The examples presented in conjunction with FIGS. 10-13 have presentedaccess to contractor review data 510, neighborhood scoring data 502and/or individual scoring data 532 by different types of users. In anembodiment, the contractor data server application 250 classifies usersby different subscription levels or classes of service. The type of datathat can be accessed by a particular user can optionally be filtered bysubscription level or class of service and further the display screenscan be customized to provide access to the type or types of data mostpertinent to each type of use. In this fashion, when a user logs in, thecontractor data server application 250 identifies the user and theassociated subscription level and/or class of service and providesaccess to the data associated with that subscription level and/or classof service in a format that may be customized to that subscription leveland/or class of service.

FIG. 14 presents a flowchart representation of a method in accordancewith an embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular, a method ispresented for use in conjunction with one or more functions and featuresdescribed in FIGS. 1-13. Step 400 includes transmitting service menudata to a first client device via the Internet, wherein the service menudata includes a plurality of service types and a plurality of specificservices. Step 402 includes receiving service data from the first clientdevice that indicates a selected one of the plurality of service types,a selected one of the plurality of specific services that indicates aservice performed, service date data that indicates a service date,service address data that indicates a service address, and contractorreview data relating to services performed at the service address. Step404 includes processing the contractor review data to generateindividual scoring data relating to the service address.

In an embodiment, the contractor review data is processed in conjunctionwith other contractor review data from at least one other user togenerate individual scoring data relating to the service address. Thecontractor review data can be processed in conjunction with neighborhoodscoring data from at least one other service address to generateindividual scoring data relating to the service address. Individualscoring data can include or be based on at least a portion of thecontractor review data.

In an embodiment the method further includes retrieving personal datapertaining to a person associated with the service address. Thecontractor review data can be processed in conjunction with the personaldata to generate individual scoring data relating to the serviceaddress.

In an embodiment the method further includes sending the individualscoring data to a second user of a second client device via theInternet. The individual scoring data can estimate homeowner conductwith contractors at the service address. The method can further includesending the selected one of the plurality of specific services, theservice date data, and the service address data with a second user of asecond client device via the Internet. Processing the contractor reviewdata can include generating repair summary data that summarizes repairsperformed at the service address. The method can further includegenerating neighborhood scoring data relating to the service address.

As may also be used herein, the term(s) “operably coupled to”, “coupledto”, and/or “coupling” includes direct coupling between items and/orindirect coupling between items via an intervening item (e.g., an itemincludes, but is not limited to, a component, an element, a circuit,and/or a module) where, for indirect coupling, the intervening item doesnot modify the information of a signal but may adjust its current level,voltage level, and/or power level. As may further be used herein,inferred coupling (i.e., where one element is coupled to another elementby inference) includes direct and indirect coupling between two items inthe same manner as “coupled to”. As may even further be used herein, theterm “operable to” or “operably coupled to” indicates that an itemincludes one or more of power connections, input(s), output(s), etc., toperform, when activated, one or more its corresponding functions and mayfurther include inferred coupling to one or more other items. As maystill further be used herein, the term “associated with”, includesdirect and/or indirect coupling of separate items and/or one item beingembedded within another item.

As may also be used herein, the terms “processing module”, “processingcircuit”, and/or “processing unit” may be a single processing device ora plurality of processing devices. Such a processing device may be amicroprocessor, micro-controller, digital signal processor,microcomputer, central processing unit, field programmable gate array,programmable logic device, state machine, logic circuitry, analogcircuitry, digital circuitry, and/or any device that manipulates signals(analog and/or digital) based on hard coding of the circuitry and/oroperational instructions. The processing module, module, processingcircuit, and/or processing unit may be, or further include, memoryand/or an integrated memory element, which may be a single memorydevice, a plurality of memory devices, and/or embedded circuitry ofanother processing module, module, processing circuit, and/or processingunit. Such a memory device may be a read-only memory, random accessmemory, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, static memory, dynamicmemory, flash memory, cache memory, and/or any device that storesdigital information. Note that if the processing module, module,processing circuit, and/or processing unit includes more than oneprocessing device, the processing devices may be centrally located(e.g., directly coupled together via a wired and/or wireless busstructure) or may be distributedly located (e.g., cloud computing viaindirect coupling via a local area network and/or a wide area network).Further note that if the processing module, module, processing circuit,and/or processing unit implements one or more of its functions via astate machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logiccircuitry, the memory and/or memory element storing the correspondingoperational instructions may be embedded within, or external to, thecircuitry comprising the state machine, analog circuitry, digitalcircuitry, and/or logic circuitry. Still further note that, the memoryelement may store, and the processing module, module, processingcircuit, and/or processing unit executes, hard coded and/or operationalinstructions corresponding to at least some of the steps and/orfunctions illustrated in one or more of the Figures. Such a memorydevice or memory element can be included in an article of manufacture.

The present disclosure has been described above with the aid of methodsteps illustrating the performance of specified functions andrelationships thereof. The boundaries and number of these functionalbuilding blocks and method steps have been arbitrarily defined hereinfor convenience of description. Alternate boundaries and numbers can bedefined so long as the specified functions and relationships areappropriately performed. Any such alternate boundaries or numbers arethus within the scope and spirit of the claimed disclosure. Further, theboundaries of these functional building blocks have been arbitrarilydefined for convenience of description. Alternate boundaries could bedefined as long as the certain significant functions are appropriatelyperformed. Similarly, flow diagram blocks may also have been arbitrarilydefined herein to illustrate certain significant functionality. To theextent used, the flow diagram block boundaries and number could havebeen defined otherwise and still perform the certain significantfunctionality. Such alternate definitions of both functional buildingblocks and flow diagram blocks and numbers are thus within the scope andspirit of the claimed disclosure. One of average skill in the art willalso recognize that the functional building blocks, and otherillustrative blocks, modules and components herein, can be implementedas illustrated or by discrete components, application specificintegrated circuits, processors executing appropriate software and thelike or any combination thereof.

The present disclosure may have also been described, at least in part,in terms of one or more embodiments. An embodiment of the presentdisclosure is used herein to illustrate the present disclosure, anaspect thereof, a feature thereof, a concept thereof, and/or an examplethereof. A physical embodiment of an apparatus, an article ofmanufacture, a machine, and/or of a process that embodies the presentdisclosure may include one or more of the aspects, features, concepts,examples, etc. described with reference to one or more of theembodiments discussed herein. Further, from figure to figure, theembodiments may incorporate the same or similarly named functions,steps, modules, etc. that may use the same or different referencenumbers and, as such, the functions, steps, modules, etc. may be thesame or similar functions, steps, modules, etc. or different ones.

Unless specifically stated to the contra, signals to, from, and/orbetween elements in a figure of any of the figures presented herein maybe analog or digital, continuous time or discrete time, and single-endedor differential. For instance, if a signal path is shown as asingle-ended path, it also represents a differential signal path.Similarly, if a signal path is shown as a differential path, it alsorepresents a single-ended signal path. While one or more particulararchitectures are described herein, other architectures can likewise beimplemented that use one or more data buses not expressly shown, directconnectivity between elements, and/or indirect coupling between otherelements as recognized by one of average skill in the art.

The term “module” is used in the description of the various embodimentsof the present disclosure. A module includes a processing module, afunctional block, hardware, and/or software stored on memory forperforming one or more functions via hardware as may be describedherein. Note that, if the module is implemented via hardware, thehardware may operate independently and/or in conjunction software and/orfirmware. As used herein, a module may contain one or more sub-modules,each of which may be one or more modules.

While particular combinations of various functions and features of thepresent disclosure have been expressly described herein, othercombinations of these features and functions are likewise possible. Thepresent disclosure is not limited by the particular examples disclosedherein and expressly incorporates these other combinations.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system comprising: a network interface for communicating via a network; a memory that stores a contractor data server application; a processing module, coupled to the memory and the network interface, the processing module including at least one processor that executes the contractor data server application to bidirectionally communicate contractor data with a first client device via the network interface, wherein the contractor data includes service data received from the first client device that indicates a selected one of a plurality of service types, a selected one of a plurality of specific services that indicates a service performed, service date data that indicates a service date, service address data that indicates a service address, and contractor review data relating to services performed at the service address; wherein the contractor data server application generates neighborhood scoring data for a neighborhood that includes the service address; wherein the contractor data server application processes the contractor review data in conjunction with neighborhood scoring data from at least one other service address to generate individual scoring data relating to the service address, wherein the individual scoring data estimates homeowner conduct with contractors at the service address; wherein generating the individual scoring data includes assigning a first weight to aggregate contractor review data for the service address that includes the contractor review data and assigning a second weight to the neighborhood scoring data, and wherein a weight differential between the first weight and the second weight is a monotonically increasing function of a number of contractor reviews for the service address; and wherein the contractor data server application sends the individual scoring data a second client device via the network interface.
 2. The system of claim 1 wherein the contractor data server application processes the contractor review data in conjunction with other contractor review data from at least one other user to the generate individual scoring data relating to the service address.
 3. The system of claim 1 wherein the contractor data server application retrieves personal data pertaining to a person associated with the service address and the contractor data server application processes the contractor review data in conjunction with the personal data to the generate individual scoring data relating to the service address.
 4. The system of claim 1 wherein the individual scoring data includes at least a portion of the contractor review data.
 5. The system of claim 1 wherein the contractor data server application sends the selected one of the plurality of specific, the service date data, and the service address data to the second client device via the network interface.
 6. The system of claim 1 wherein the contractor data server application generates repair summary data that summarizes repairs performed at the service address.
 7. A method for use with a contractor data server, the method comprising: receiving service data from a first client device that indicates a selected one of a plurality of service types, a selected one of a plurality of specific services that indicates a service performed, service date data that indicates a service date, service address data that indicates a service address, and contractor review data relating to services performed at the service address; and processing the contractor review data in conjunction with neighborhood scoring data from at least one other service address to generate individual scoring data relating to the service address; wherein generating the individual scoring data includes assigning a first weight to aggregate contractor review data for the service address that includes the contractor review data and assigning a second weight to the neighborhood scoring data, and wherein a weight differential between the first weight and the second weight is a monotonically increasing function of a number of contractor reviews for the service address; and sending the individual scoring data to a second user of a second client device via a network interface for display on a screen associated with the second client device.
 8. The method of claim 7 wherein the contractor review data is processed in conjunction with other contractor review data from at least one other user to the generate individual scoring data relating to the service address.
 9. The method of claim 7 further comprising: retrieving personal data pertaining to a person associated with the service address; and wherein the contractor review data is processed in conjunction with the personal data to the generate individual scoring data relating to the service address.
 10. The method of claim 7 wherein the individual scoring data includes at least a portion of the contractor review data.
 11. The method of claim 7 wherein the individual scoring data estimates homeowner conduct with contractors at the service address.
 12. The method of claim 7 further comprising: sending the selected one of the plurality of specific services, the service date data, and the service address data to the second user of the second client device via the internet.
 13. The method of claim 7 processing the contractor review data further includes generating repair summary data that summarizes repairs performed at the service address.
 14. The method of claim 7 further comprising: generating neighborhood scoring data relating to the service address.
 15. A method for use with a contractor data server, the method comprising: receiving service data from a first client device that indicates a selected one of a plurality of service types, a selected one of a plurality of specific services that indicates a service performed, service date data that indicates a service date, service address data that indicates a service address, and contractor review data relating to services performed at the service address; and processing the contractor review data in conjunction with neighborhood scoring data from at least one other service address to generate individual scoring data relating to the service address, wherein the individual scoring data includes at least a portion of the contractor review data, and wherein the individual scoring data also estimates homeowner conduct with contractors at the service address; wherein generating the individual scoring data includes assigning a first weight to aggregate contractor review data for the service address that includes the contractor review data and assigning a second weight to the neighborhood scoring data, and wherein a weight differential between the first weight and the second weight is a monotonically increasing function of a number of contractor reviews for the service address; and sending the individual scoring data to a second user of a second client device via a network interface for display on a screen associated with the second client device.
 16. The method of claim 15 wherein the contractor review data is processed in conjunction with other contractor review data from at least one other user to the generate individual scoring data relating to the service address.
 17. The method of claim 15 further comprising: retrieving personal data pertaining to a person associated with the service address; and wherein the contractor review data is processed in conjunction with the personal data to the generate individual scoring data relating to the service address.
 18. The method of claim 15 wherein processing the contractor review data further includes generating repair summary data that summarizes repairs performed at the service address. 